SHAMAEL POWELL runs an online business where she sells Islamic attire for the Muslimah (Muslim woman). Offering special item deals and package deals on clothing, accessories, and Arabic books. Her blog site was created to stay in touch with her customers in a more effective way, and gaining new ones.

Shamael and her family lived in Madinah for seven years. They shifted to Arar in January this year. Located in Al-Hudud ash-Shamaliyah region, this least-populated province of Saudi Arabia lies in the north of the Kingdom, bordering Iraq. Saudi Life interviewed Shamael about her entrepreneurial initiatives, her switch to designing T-shirts, her tips on hijab for women and a lot more.

SL: Who are your customers?

Shamael: My customers are women in my own age group and older so I would say they are between the ages of 25-40. My customer base is international; I've shipped to Australia, Sweden, Canada, and the UK Masha’Allah.

What factors do you keep in mind when you select garments for sale on the website?

I look for garments that I myself would wear and be comfortable in its fit. Other factors include how it looks on my body, and also that it doesn't go against the dress code/ hijab ruling of the Muslimah.

Do you design some of those on your own?

No, I do not design but if needed, I offer garments customized to a person’s need after seeing the initial garment design, i.e. having it made to fit a larger, plus-size women, a woman who likes to have zippers instead of buttons for breastfeeding, etc.

What was initially the aim with which you started your online business? Any inspiration?

I've always wanted to be an entrepreneur and have my own business of some sort.

How is your online store relevant to those living in Saudi Arabia who can purchase similar stuff in the market here?

I sell what I see in the market places here in Saudi, so I don't think it would be any different to what’s being sold in other shops and stores throughout the Kingdom.

Would you like to talk about your new venture: graphic designed T-shirts?

It seems like the selling of garments for me is coming to a pause, and it’s just not fitting in with what I'm doing right now and where I'm at. My family and I have moved to a new city and it seems very difficult to continue. So I decided to move on to my next passion and project which is graphic design and I've chosen to dabble into graphic t-shirt designs. As of now I have a handful of designs almost in its final stages and ready to be put up on my site, where you'll actually be able to buy/order the printed shirts from. I am right now in between choosing where I'll end up selling the shirts at. The two sites that I have in mind are: Cafepress.com and Spreadshirt.com. Both sites are basically the same. So I will just head and tail it on my choice. And the shipping will be faster and cheaper being that it will be shipped from within the USA and there will be international shipping. If you were buying any garment from overseas so I see that a plus for me and my customers.

Please suggest to our readers the latest trends, fashions, and what’s in and what’s not in Islamic clothing.

Shamael: I don't really get into what’s going on fashion-wise or even know what's in and what's not. However, if I see that the abaya stores have some new designs, I choose those that I myself would like to wear or those designs which are not too fancy and attention-grabbing, and if the price-range is reasonable, I will advertise that garment as a special item offer on my site to see how much interest or buzz I can get from that design and if its popular then I decide to have that garment part of the regular rotation.

Please also advice our female readers on what things they should keep in mind while selecting the hijab clothing, such as, abaya, veil, etc. (TIPS, TIPS)

Select good quality garments, make sure the garments are to your liking, and fits you and your body type, that will cover you properly, try it on, feel the material  and see if its right for the current weather season (if you are buying in-stores) view the stitching of the garments. If buying online, ask as many questions as you see is needed in order for you to make that purchase. If the website does not have a lot of pictures ask for a detailed description, pay attention to whether you like there customer service or not, if there site is browser friendly and easy to browse through, read their customer feedback, ask around to see if anyone has brought from the site and how their experience was. Stay within your budget range and don't break your neck and pocket trying to look extravagant by buying that one garment when that money could have been used to buy a handful of good quality everyday-wear garments.

What would you say to encourage our female readers to wear hijab and the niqab? (That is, who do not already do so or do not consider it ‘cool’ enough!)

I would advise the sisters not to look at hijab from a fashion or entertainment viewpoint. Instead look at it from a religious view (which we are supposed to do anyway). Covering up as females is an act of worship and obedience to Allah (SWT). Look to what the people of the past did; our best examples as Muslim women are the "Mothers of the believers" and we are to follow and obey what Allah (SWT) has commanded us to, and we are to follow the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (PBUH). And if a sister is thinking about wearing hijab or niqab, I think she should talk to other sisters to see how they started out or to see what steps they took, and look at these women for encouragement. Also make du'a and ask Allah (SWT) to make it easy for you to wear it and to wear it correctly and to wear it for His sake only.

What are your activities and interests other than all that we have discussed so far?

I'm busy with homeschooling my children, and taking online classes to help me in the future in getting a job (outside of the house) if I so choose to decide to do so. I am still learning more about web and graphic designs so I'm always busy reading and trying out new things in that field during my free time. My other interest is doing and learning about DIY'S (Do It Yourself projects); I think they are fun and very hands-on, and helps save you money. I also have plans to redesign my blog once I have the time.

Please tell us something about your family.

My husband and I are both African Americans and we have three children who were born here in Saudi Arabia. My husband is a student and is currently working as an English Teacher and I'm a WAHM/SAHM (Work at Home/Stay at Home Mom).

Thank you very much.

Shamael: Thank you for your time and this opportunity sister

Shamael can be visited at her blog: http://sbshamael.blogspot.com/